A Chanukah Message from Elana Frank

As we display our chanukiyot on our windowsills this year, and as the smell of latkes and sufganiyot fills our homes, we celebrate the strength and triumph of our community. The Maccabees achieved what seemed to be impossible in rising up against oppression and liberating their people and holy place of worship. And against all odds, as legend has it, the Maccabees witnessed a miracle when oil for a menorah, meant to last one night, lit the Temple for eight.

In my work at the Jewish Fertility Foundation, I am fortunate to witness such miracles for hopeful parents in our community every day. Against all odds, individuals and couples are growing their families through fertility treatments, surrogacy, adoption, and more. The journey to parenthood may be long and excruciating, but the stories I hear from clients remind me to never give up hope.

This Chanukah season, I am hopeful for births and pregnancies for all those who yearn to have children. I am hopeful that our organization and community will be able to grow and thrive and become more inclusive in the coming year. Personally, and professionally, I am going to keep reminding myself that what seems impossible may not be so impossible after all, especially with the support of our community and a little faith. I hope that the light burning in each of our windows will remind us of the strength we find when we stand together as Jewish people and never give up on hoping for a miracle. Chag urim sameach!

Elana Frank is the CEO and founder of the Jewish Fertility Foundation.